The 2025-2026 school year marks the official launch of the Arts Collective at Sacred Heart Greenwich. Following the inaugural year of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), this new arts initiative works to promote visual and performing arts on and off campus through school events and fundraising. Founded by Gabrielle Hughes ’27 and Vivianna Lostumbo ’27, the Arts Collective aims to provide a space for artists to work together and share new ideas.
The Arts Collective proposes various ways for Upper School students to get involved in the arts, including through enriching leadership opportunities. This year, Gabrielle and Vivianna serve as the presidents. Other roles on the Executive Board include the Treasurer, Lizzy Hartnett ’27, and the Promotional Chair, Caroline Gammon ’26.
In addition, the student body elected peers to represent each creative arts group on campus. The dance representative is Grace McKeown ’28, the film representative is Laurie Starke ’26, the music representative is Carolina Figueiredo ’27, the theatre representative is Angelina Clear ’28, and the visual arts representative is Olivia Figueiredo ’26. Vivianna shared what inspired her and Gabrielle to establish the Arts Collective.
“We felt like the arts were left out of opportunities at school that sports and academics were usually given,” Vivianna said. “Additionally, as we got to know Mrs. McMahon, who we truly appreciate for being such a big supporter of our idea, we realized how people you wouldn’t expect have a love for the arts, as Mrs. McMahon used to be a dancer herself.”
Currently, the Arts Collective holds meetings every Day 3 and Day 7. At the meetings, the representatives and Executive Board consider ways to improve and spread awareness for the arts programs at Sacred Heart, including hosting fundraising events, art supply donation drives, and promoting a love of the arts throughout the school. Vivianna discussed current initiatives as well as what she hopes this newfound cohort will provide for the Sacred Heart community.
“Our hopes are to erase any stigma within the arts and get as many people involved as possible, even those who wouldn’t typically consider themselves artistic,” Vivianna said. “So far, we are getting involved in many ways, such as creating promotional posters for the homecoming dance, hosting poster workshops for this year’s fall play, A Christmas Carol, and organizing mindful wellness activities involving the arts during GOALS.”
The Arts Collective seeks to serve the Upper School community as a place where creative students can channel their passions for the arts into successful collaboration with others. Lizzy shared what inspired her to run for Treasurer and how it offers her a way to express creativity.
“I think what inspired me to join the Arts Collective is that the arts have always been the most important thing to me in my life,” Lizzy said. “[They’ve] given me an outlet to meet new people and express myself in a unique way. I think that the whole idea of the Arts Collective is really special, and I’m super excited for raising money for both the art program here and outside organizations.”
Moreover, the Arts Collective represents several of Sacred Heart’s Goals and Criteria, particularly Goal IV and Goal V. Mrs. Marnie McLaughlin, Upper School Art Teacher, serves as the faculty advisor for the Arts Collective. She expanded upon the collective’s relation to these goals and how that relationship will impact the Sacred Heart community.
“The Arts Collective aligns with Goal IV, the building of community as a Christian value, by creating spaces where artists can collaborate, share ideas, and build connections through student-led activities and promotion,” Mrs. McLaughlin said. “It also supports Goal V, educating to personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom, by fostering artistic leadership, creativity, and spiritual growth. Together, these efforts aim to strengthen the impact of the arts at Sacred Heart Greenwich.”
Featured Image by Blaire Williamson ’27
